After standing next to West Coast prized top pick Willem Duursma in his V/AFL games record breaking match, Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury says the young Eagle is his "favourite young player".
Duursma is a highly talented utility that has impressed in his first season at the top flight after his name was the first one read out in last year's draft.
The 18-year-old, who wasn't even born when Pendlebury debuted in 2006, drew praise from the games record holder.
"Favourite young player is probably Willem Duursma from the Eagles," Pendlebury said.
"I think he's going to be (a star). His ability inside and outside (the contest), he's incredibly long.
"I think he's going to be one of the best players in the game for a long period of time.
Scott Pendlebury names Willem Duursma as his current favourite young player.
“I think he’ll be the marquee man at West Coast for a long period. They’ll be able to build a football club around him and Harley (Reid). I really do enjoy watching him play.”#AFLPiesEagles pic.twitter.com/Mr4lEMMdNp
— Fly’s Pies (@magpieshq) May 24, 2026
"I think he will be the marquee for West Coast for a long period. They will be able to build a football club around him and Harley (Reid) and guys like that.
"I do enjoy watching him play and it was good to play against him."
Duursma and the Eagles almost spoiled the Pies party on Saturday at the MCG in front of more than 90,000 fans.
West Coast led for the majority of the first half, and drew the margin to single digits halfway through the final term.
Duursma, and teammate Brady Hough, both spent time on Pendlebury during the contest to curb his influence.
The reigning Pick 1 collected 17 possessions, 482 metres gained and three clearances.
Duursma is equal favourite to take out this year's Rising Star award.
